Multivan Bike Rack w/o towbar attachment

[Sunny43.5]

So I take it there is only one way the VW way ? , regardless I have sourced wiring loom from England which is correct for the model we have and a third of the price , I am so over this crap I am sorry but it does not make sense to an old world guy like myself . If this modern technology is so great why do I read so many reports of "software updates " to fix problems that plague some VW models after they have been released . Just to show how wrong that system can be when our 2004 T5 went in to have the auto serviced the service people told me that the "software update" to the auto would fix the slipping Bingo the auto failed totally 5 kilometres from the workshop so much for the update .And then the "China Syndrome" Vw customers had issues with their DSG 's and the fix was introduced via "updates" so 80.000 cars were updated and another 420,000 cars were buggered up by the same fix that was applied to customers cars who did not have a problem but were told that the update was required anyway . You see what I mean not all this stuff is as good as the motoring manufacturers would have us believe , . Umai you mention that the module would if needed in Australia gives you an overview showing the trailer attached sorry I do not think my standard T5 would have this feature so it seems pointless . Now this will be my final rant yes I mean it this time , why not have the harness standard in all models as a towbar is a very common requirement ESPECIALLY the fact these ARE COMMERCIAL vans that would be used by tradesman . The cost to include the harness whilst the van is built would be cheap to do to charge over $600 for it after the fact plus fitting is bloody ludicrous . END .
PS if CAN BUS makes diagnosing faults so easy why is there a guy in Brisbane with an $80.000 Touareg whose car has been in and out of his dealer for months with electrical problems and they cannot find them ????? Tailights wont work the car will not start periodically electric seat failed CAN BUS FAILED too by the sound of it . If you check out VW,s Facebook page its littered with complaints . Look I still love our VW vans I just wish they came without the headaches technology has caused .

[FMJ]

I fitted a second hand fiama t5 rack last week rated to 60kg. Attachment to the car is solid, only critism so far is that the bike mounted furthest away from the rack tends to move around a bit(left -right), there seems to be a bit of play in the arm attaching to the frame of the bike, not sure if its because its used and has developed play or if its designed that way.

Cheers FMJ

[Top Dog]

I use the fiamma rack LWB 4motion camper fantastic well tested on rough roads also use Fiamma rear door tent and use one of the poles to hold the door up i have photos but have not lewrnt to upload yet ,

Greg

[SnowMotion]

I have read about those racks being used a lot in the UK and all seemed to review it well.

With the 2012 model Transporters I understood that the towbar wiring had been included so it was a plug in feature.
"3. Trailer Preparation

All T5 models will now be standard with Trailer Wiring Preparation, similar to Amarok. This is a fantastic change, cutting fitting time substantially for the Accessories towbar and wiring kit. This change should give you confidence to promote the excellent 2-tonne towing capacity for all T5 models. The
fitment of the trailer preparation also brings Trailer Stabilisation as part of the ESP for T5 models."

from this link
Volkswagen Australia Commercial Vehicle Model Year 2012 (MY12) Changes | my-gti.com

[Yarrara]

OK- so since the wiring should plug in for my model, would the wise people of this forum generally say that the "2.5hr installation" for the DIY tow bar kit is realistic...and can be done by someone with little car/electrical maintenance experience?

Regarding the plug-in feature for MY12 models, I am a little nervous around the things my car is meant to have...MY12 models come with Bluetooth as standard yet mine came without it. Is there a way to check for the tow bar wiring plug?

[Umai Naa!!]

Control module should plug in under the passenger's seat. Not sure on the rest, as I've not dealt with a pre-wired T5GP.

You'll still need to get it programmed so that it works.

[Sunny43.5]

Okay guys today I had a brainstorm after picking myself up from the floor after a quote from VW for $620 for the wiring harness alone for trailer lights with our new T5 , I went online and did some research found a harness in the UK for $260 plus postage . I thought to my self why not fit a relay between each light signal as the vans electronics would be looking for a voltage amp level which would trigger the CanBus to have a hissy fit . The relay would not send a value to the vans brain as there are no bulbs , then in another moment of clarity I stopped in at Speedy Towbars in Slacks Creek and was having a yarn to the guy about the issue . He reaches around the corner shelf an pulls out a wire harness that has been developed by Hayman Reece especially for VW T5 2010 onwards models how much $125 and no coding required it has its own multi relay unit , I will let you know how it goes .
Oh by the way the quote from them for a complete towbar fitting with wiring etc $750 makes VW look abit on the nose.

[Umai Naa!!]

You get what you pay for.

[SnowMotion]

I will have a look under my van on the weekend and see if I can see where the wiring goes

[Ivo]

You get what you pay for.

What....ripped off by VW?

Yes I know what your saying and in many cases its the truth but in many cases its not.

I would trust Hayman Reece to have a decent product.